Career criminal accepts plea deal

BOARDMAN — Steven Direnzo, who authorities have labeled a career criminal, accepted a plea agreement today in Mahoning County Area Court here in front of Judge Joseph M. Houser.

The felony charge of tampering with evidence was bound over to the county grand jury as Direnzo waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

The state dismissed the misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property, said Atty. Ron Knickerbocker, Direnzo's lawyer.

"[Direnzo's] entering a plea of guilty on one count, driving under the influence," Knickerbocker said.

Direnzo was fined $525 dollars plus court costs. He has 30 days to pay the fine, Judge Houser said. The judge also sentenced Direnzo to 180 days in jail, 170 being suspended, and six-month of probation subject to a two-year suspension of his driver's license.